Man On The Spot best bets and tips for Chepstow on Friday
The jumps season kicks off in earnest on Friday and resident tipster Man On The Spot has a race-by-race guide to the high-profile Chepstow fixture.
2.10 - Click here for FREE video form and full racecard
Despite a penalty, last week’s Fontwell winner Vorashann is still potentially well treated and has fitness on his side. However, this is a much deeper contest and top-heavy with four-year-olds who have the scope to go on to better things. One is French import Running D'Or but the handicapper has taken no chances with him. Langer Dan won his first two starts as a juvenile and was last seen finishing sixth in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, well ahead of Thyme White, Goa Lil, Group Stage and Fraser Island. BLACKO was joint favourite for that race but was never travelling and pulled up on the home turn. Something was clearly amiss that day and he holds The Pink'n on earlier form so gets the chance to make amends. Goobinator didn’t do a lot wrong last season and has had a pipe-opener on the Flat so can get into contention.
2.45 - Click here for FREE video form and full racecard
BORN IN BORRIS made a winning debut under Rules at Wincanton in March and she may be capable of defying a penalty on her reappearance, despite the presence of some unexposed mares from powerful yards. Conditions won’t be as testing as when Kilmington Rose was beaten by the useful Coquelicot in a bumper at Taunton in January and she’s a danger. Fitness is unlikely to be an issue for Paris Dixie and Wild Romance and Vain Girl have shown promise in points.
3.15 - Click here for FREE video form and full racecard
Paul Nicholls has won this Grade 2 twice in the last four years and six times in total and MCFABULOUS (NAP) showed steady improvement last season, beating a strong field on his final start in a Grade 3 handicap at Sandown. He carries a small penalty but that shouldn’t detract from his chances. Philip Hobbs sent out last year’s winner and Everglow must be held in some regard to be making his hurdling debut at this level. One For The Team showed progressive form in handicaps last term but looks a thorough stayer. Courtandbould and Getaround have guaranteed fitness on their side but, like the unbeaten Petrastar and the mare Legends Ryde, might struggle in this grade.
3.50 - Click here for FREE video form and full racecard
Flic Ou Voyou sets a decent standard in this and has wind surgery since last season. But he has been a beaten favourite in his last three outings and may find one too good again in the shape of hurdling newcomer SEVERANCE. Ben Pauling’s four-year-old won over 1m4f on the Flat and ended up racing off a mark of 91. He’s not really bred for jumping but this is a contest with little strength-in-depth. At Large is a half-brother to a winning hurdler and chaser so is worth a market check while Master Templar was staying on at Bangor but may need more time.
4.25 - Click here for FREE video form and full racecard
Winning pointer Bravemansgame was quite highly tried in bumpers last season and should make a hurdler. But he has almost 15 lengths to find with SOARING GLORY on their run together in a Listed race at Ascot in December. Jonjo O’Neill’s charge surrendered his unbeaten record that day but that was still an excellent effort behind a horse who is expected to take high rank among this season’s novice hurdle crop. He is a half-brother to a dual Grade 3 winner over timber. Kaproyale looks the pick of Olly Murphy’s trio but this looks a tough start for Numbers Man and Rainbow Jazz was beaten when unseating his rider at the last at Warwick.
4.55 - Click here for FREE video form and full racecard
There veteran chases are never easy to unravel but On Tour was only beaten a neck in this last year and Joe Farrell, who is fractionally better off at the weights, was just half-a-length away in third. Teenager Theatre Guide was well behind and usually needs a run. Shantou Village runs in one of these contests for the first tine and had a couple of outings over the summer. He would have an excellent chance on the pick of his form but PRESENT MAN has a cracking record when returning from a break and is back on a winning mark. Bryony Frost has already won three times on the 10-year-old, who is no stranger to carrying big weights. Horatio Hornblower could also go well nearer the foot of the handicap.
5.25 - Click here for FREE video form and full racecard
Having already won a point-to-point and a hurdle race, Ofalltheginjoints looks a likely sort for fences. But Colin Tizzard’s charge was beaten a long way behind Enrilo in a Grade 2 hurdle at Sandown last season, though the latter was subsequently well behind THE CASHEL MAN in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury. A three-times Flat winner, Nicky Henderson’s eight-year-old was a latecomer to jumping but he’s adapted well and is worth a try over the larger obstacles – he’s gone well fresh in the past. Red River has yet to complete over fences but he has few miles on the clock and has had wind surgery since last seen so is worth a second look.
5.55 - Click here for FREE video form and full racecard
Royal Magic has looked a reformed character recently but steps up a grade for this. Amateur goes the other way having finished second to an in-form chaser at Uttoxeter last month when Bermeo was pulled up. Ballybough Nora is back over her best trip but has only managed one run in this calendar year. MASSINI’S DREAM was making strides in the spring and it’s possible that the handicapper hasn’t yet got to grips with Christian Williams’ mare so she is preferred to Illuminated Beauty and the enigmatic Antony.
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